eLanka

Monday, 6 Oct 2025
  • Home
  • Read History
  • Articles
    • eLanka Journalists
  • Events
  • Useful links
    • Obituaries
    • Seeking to Contact
    • eLanka Newsletters
    • eLanka Testimonials
    • Sri Lanka Newspapers
    • Sri Lanka TV LIVE
    • Sri Lanka Radio
    • eLanka Recepies
  • Gallery
  • Contact
Newsletter
  • eLanka Weddings
  • Property
  • eLanka Shop
  • Business Directory
eLankaeLanka
Font ResizerAa
Search
  • Home
  • Read History
  • Articles
    • eLanka Journalists
  • Events
  • Useful links
    • Obituaries
    • Seeking to Contact
    • eLanka Newsletters
    • eLanka Testimonials
    • Sri Lanka Newspapers
    • Sri Lanka TV LIVE
    • Sri Lanka Radio
    • eLanka Recepies
  • Gallery
  • Contact
Follow US
© 2005 – 2025 eLanka Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Home » Blog » Articles » US honours Lankan woman lawyer
Articles

US honours Lankan woman lawyer

eLanka admin
Last updated: March 11, 2021 6:03 pm
By
eLanka admin
ByeLanka admin
Follow:
Share
2 Min Read
SHARE

US honours Lankan woman lawyer

Source:Island

First Lady of the United States Dr. Jill Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken yesterday (9) honoured Ranitha Gnanarajah as an International Women of Courage (IWOC) award winner for her commitment to justice, accountability, and women’s rights in Sri Lanka, The US Embassy announced in Colombo 

A lawyer, Ms. Gnanarajah advocates for Sri Lanka’s most vulnerable populations, including families affected by enforced disappearances, survivors of gender-based violence, and religious and ethnic minorities.  

More Read

In Loving Memory Of Patrick Anthonypillai
In Loving Memory Of Patrick Anthonypillai
Upul Continues Commitment to Travel Business honouring decades of Service to the Sri Lankan Community in USA*
eLanka Newsletter -5th October 2025 – 1st Edition – Sri Lankans In Australia

 The Secretary of State’s IWOC award was established in 2007 to commend women around the globe who demonstrate exceptional bravery and leadership in advocating for peace, human rights, and women’s empowerment.  

 Ms. Gnanarajah has dedicated her career to the pursuit of justice for marginalized communities in Sri Lanka, covering a broad spectrum of human rights issues. She provides free legal aid to prisoners detained without charge under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act and to families seeking to learn the fate of relatives believed to have been victims of enforced disappearances.  Her leadership and advocacy for a victim-centered approach has supported dozens of victims’ families throughout the country.  She has also worked tirelessly to build the capacity of grassroots organizations that confront gender-based violence and advocate for women’s equal rights to land and property.  For example, Ms. Gnanarajah’s domestic violence research identified deficiencies at police stations that impeded women’s ability to seek protection from abuse and harassment.  She also leads awareness campaigns that have increased access to women’s shelters, counseling services, and medical care for survivors of domestic violence.  

 US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Alaina B. Teplitz, said “Ms. Gnanarajah has demonstrated a tremendous commitment to justice on behalf of all her fellow citizens. She’s helped her country’s most vulnerable people avail themselves of their rights and in doing so is a model of courage in Sri Lanka and around the world.” 

 Ms. Gnanarajah was among TBC women recognized for their enormous contributions to their communities and countries.  Afterwards, these extraordinary women will participate in International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) virtual exchanges to connect with American universities, businesses, and non-profit organizations.  Over the last 15 years, the U.S. Department of State has recognized more than 155 International Women of Courage from over 75 countries.

TAGGED:Alaina B. TeplitzDr. Jill Biden
Share This Article
Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article A Novel Presentation of Nursery Rhymes in Sinhala
Next Article Thomians win the 10th Annual Rev A J C Selvaratnam Challenge Shield for the 03rd consecutive year
FacebookLike
YoutubeSubscribe
LinkedInFollow
Most Read
10 Pictures With Fascinating Stories Behind Them!

“A PICTURE SPEAKS A 1000 WORDS” – By Des Kelly

Look past your thoughts so you may drink the pure nectar of this moment

A Life Hack for when we’re Burnt Out & Broken Down – By Uma Panch

Narration of the History of our Proud Ancestral (Orang Jawa) Heritage. by Noor R. Rahim

eLanka Weddings

eLanka Marriage Proposals

Noel News

Noel News

Noel News

Noel News- By Noel Whittaker

EILEEN MARY SIBELLE DE SILVA (nee DISSANAYAKE) – 29 September 1922 – 6 April 2018 – A Woman of Value an Appreciation written by Mohini Gunasekera

K.K.S. Cement Factory

Dr.Harold Gunatillake’s 90th Birthday party

Sri Lanka's women's cricket squad in Melbourne

Cricket: Sri Lanka’s women’s squad in Melbourne

- Advertisement -
Ad image
Related News
CBA Diwali Celebrations 2025
Articles Photo Gallery

CBA Diwali Celebrations 2025, A Night of Light, Culture, and Connection

Articles

Prime Minister’s Literary awards 2025: Michelle de Kretser wins $80,000 for Theory & Practice

Brad and Kiara Show Oct 4
Articles The Brad and Kiara Show - Sydney

Brad and Kiara Show October 4

SUNSET of ILLUSIONS Book August 2025
Articles

SUNSET of ILLUSIONS Book August 2025

SUNDAY CHOICE
Articles Charles Schokman

SUNDAY CHOICE- HE TOUCHED ME – By Charles Schokman

  • Quick Links:
  • Articles
  • DESMOND KELLY
  • Dr Harold Gunatillake
  • English Videos
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sinhala Videos
  • eLanka Newsletters
  • Obituaries
  • Tamil Videos
  • Dr. Harold Gunatillake
  • Sunil Thenabadu
  • Sinhala Movies
  • Trevine Rodrigo
  • Michael Roberts
  • Photos

eLanka

Your Trusted Source for News & Community Stories: Stay connected with reliable updates, inspiring features, and breaking news. From politics and technology to culture, lifestyle, and events, eLanka brings you stories that matter — keeping you informed, engaged, and connected 24/7.
Kerrie road, Oatlands , NSW 2117 , Australia.
Email : info@eLanka.com.au / rasangivjes@gmail.com.
WhatsApp : +61402905275 / +94775882546

(c) 2005 – 2025 eLanka Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.